Ink-jet Head Cap with Protrusion for Port Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink-jet head protection methods, such as using an adhesive seal, can cause blockage of ejection ports, leading to bad ink ejection issues when the ink-jet head is used.

Innovation Solution

An ink-jet head protection assembly that includes a head cap with a protrusion and a support member, where gas is filled in a closed space defined by the confronting surface, protrusion, and ejection face, preventing adhesive blockage and ensuring accurate ink ejection. The assembly involves a valve system for filling the ink passages with a preservation solution to prevent air or foreign substances from entering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an adhesive seal is closely adhered to the ink ejection port face to protect it during transport, then the ejection face is protected from damage, but the adhesive transfers to the ejection port face and blocks the ink ejection ports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of ejection faceVSAvoidadhesive blockage of ejection ports

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A release film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the adhesive seal and the ink ejection port face. The adhesive seal adheres to the release film instead of directly to the ejection face, preventing adhesive transfer and port blockage while maintaining protection during transport and storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: the adhesive seal layer, the release film layer, and the ejection face. This segmentation allows the adhesive to be separated from the ejection surface, enabling easy removal without leaving residue that would block the ports

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the ejection face is left exposed for easy access during use, then ink ejection functionality is maintained, but the ejection face is vulnerable to damage during transport and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to ejection faceVSAvoiddamage to ejection face

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive seal with release film is pre-applied to the ejection face before transport and storage. This preliminary protective action ensures the ejection face is protected during handling while allowing for easy removal and access when the ink-jet head is ready for use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover structure allows dynamic states: the release film provides continuous protection during storage, but can be easily removed or peeled back during operation to expose the ejection face for ink ejection, adapting to different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7806504B2Ink-jet head protection assembly and protection method of an ink-jet head

Publication Date: 2010.10.05 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An ink-jet head protection assembly of the present invention comprises an ink-jet head, a head cap that protects the ink-jet head and a support member supporting the head cap so that the head cap contacts an ejection face of the ink-jet head. In the head cap, a surface confronting the ejection face of the ink-jet head is formed with a protrusion contacting the ejection face. A contact surface of the protrusion to the ejection face surrounds, in plan view, an area in which ejection ports are formed. Gas is filled in a closed space defined by a surface of the head cap, the protrusion and the ejection face.